Ogunquit's Lobster Dash 5 miler on Ogunquit Beach

It can't be a bad day if you can run on Ogunquit beach

-Greg Gumbinner

Enjoying a pre-dawn September run. Photo courtesy of Rick Barber

Today was the 12th annual Lobster Dash 5 mile race on Ogunquit beach. This race is one of my favorites. I run this course virtually everyday for from April to October. I find it is a great way to start the day. Life is good here in Ogunquit Maine, especially if you greet the ocean everyday!

 

The hard packed sand is perfect for running. Clean air, ocean waves and beautiful vistas that are hard to beat.  It was a great way to welcome autumn.

This year's race was not my best time. But none the less, I always have a good time!

The race is in memory of Greg Gumbinner with proceeds going to various scholarships and charities.

Greg Gumbinner was a avid runner, and a lover of life. Greg passed away over 12 years ago, but his memory lives on through his countless friends that organize this annual event.

Photos courtesy of Sean McFadden

The race is five miles on the beach at low tide. Finishers receive a medal, lobster roll and a tech shirt which features a lobster. All for $25!

Lobster Dash 2011

One of my favorite things is to run on Ogunquit beach at low tide. The dramatic tides and hard packed sand make Ogunquit beach unique and perfect for running.

Today was a perfect day for the 11th annual Lobster Dash. The Lobster Dash is in memory of Greg Gumbinner. One of Gumbinner's favorite sayings was "It can't be a bad day if you can run on Ogunquit beach", and THIS Greg agrees with him! It's always a good day if you can run on Ogunquit beach!

This year there were 231 entrants on a cool blustery sunny morning (temps were in the low 40's, 6c). The course starts at the "point" on Ogunquit beach, and goes 2.5 miles north, to the end of the beach in neighboring Wells Maine, and return back. There are small tide pools and gullies that you have to maneuver through. The day was extremely sunny with a slight wind.

Upon completing the race, contestants receive a medal, a cotton t-shirt, breakfast foods, and a Lobster Roll. Yes, the Lobster Dash is a unique race! Well worth the entrance fee of $22...(and that includes beach parking 'til 11am).

Out of 214 entrants I placed 15th overall and 1st in my age category. My time is 34.08 at 6.50 minutes per mile. I actually did better this year than last year. last years time was 35.30. Most people run slower on sand, than asphalt or a track, so I was happy with my time.

Approaching the finish line. I do have the "home team" advantage, and there is a lobster roll waiting for me!

Race Director, Charlie Farrington of Ogunquit, led the award ceremonies....Charlie is a marathon reacer with over 52 marathons under his belt.

Lobster Dash 5 Mile Race

The Lobster Dash was held today on Ogunquit Beach. This unique race is a 5 mile race at low tide on Ogunquit Beach. The day was perfect: not a cloud in the sky, no wind, sunny skies.

At the end of the race participants receive a medal, and lobster roll.  Pre-registered runners get a cool shirt.

I ran this race, and placed 14th overall and 3rd in my age category. My time was 35.11/ pace of 7.03 minutes per mile.





Lobster Dash
http://www.ogunquitbeachinn.com/ 

I received a trophy, medal, t-shirt and lobster roll!